Technology Articles from MPA Networks

Increase Productivity with Cloud Systems

December 23rd, 2014 by admin

Blue inked drawing of various icons with arrows pointing to a cloud

Cloud-based applications have the potential to increase productivity for your business. By de-localizing your computing resources, your employees can benefit from ease of access, broader device compatibility, and reliance on local hardware. IT Managed...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Hardware and Software

Stay Productive with IT Managed Services

December 12th, 2014 by admin

Isolated clock face in silver and blue with roman numerals for the numbers

It doesn’t take a psychic to know that one of your business goals is improving efficiency and productivity. You can do both with an IT managed service provider. MSPs specialize in finding technical solutions to streamline your work environment and preemptively...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions, Hardware and Software

Close Enough to Know You, Small Enough to Serve You

November 13th, 2014 by admin

Black and white silhouettes of businesspeople against a blue background of 1s and 0s

If you've been reading our blog for a while, you know why we believe managed IT services are the smart choice over "going it alone" — particularly for a small business. Over the past few years alone, we've seen several major tech companies — some of...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions

Disaster Recovery: Is Your Data Protected From the Next Catastrophe?

November 6th, 2014 by admin

Eleven blue and white circular icons

Last month, the Bay Area commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake. Those of us who lived through that experience remember the sudden, unexpected jolt — and how the event disrupted our lives for several weeks afterward. Of course,...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Solutions

Handling Your Growing Network with IT Managed Services

October 31st, 2014 by admin

Eleven colorful network cables arranged like an increasing bar graph

Small and medium-sized business (SMB) computer networks are more of a living project than a one-and-done IT expense. Network-focused IT managed services guides you through the possibilities and challenges presented by changes in personnel and office...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions, Hardware and Software

The Ultimate IT Provider Checklist for Financial Service Firms and Investment Advisors

May 3rd, 2014 by admin

Two women and a man discussing business in a conference room

Registered Investment Advisories and other Financial Service Firms Must Choose an IT Provider Wisely Effective and reliable Information Technology plays a critical role in running a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm or other financial services...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Partners and Industries

Homeland Security Issues Warning Over Serious Internet Explorer Bug

April 30th, 2014 by admin

Cartoon of the blue Internet Explorer icon with 3 insect legs extending from either side of it

Serious Security Flaw Found in IE A security flaw or bug has been discovered in Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), which affects all versions of IE from 6 to 11. This flaw allows a hacker to potentially gain access to your computer and hard drive when...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Cyber and Data Security

Use IT to Increase Workplace Productivity - Get the Whitepaper!

April 21st, 2014 by admin

Cover of whitepaper with title 'Zero in on Downtime with IT Productivity'

It is vital that Information Technology enhance workplace productivity, rather than hinder it. With proper IT systems and management in place, it is possible to accomplish your work faster and with far less risk of downtime and technology inefficiencies....

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions

Critical Action Points to Protect Yourself from Heartbleed Bug Vulnerability

April 11th, 2014 by admin

Oblique angle of a website URL address with a red, bleeding heart icon around the secure lock

We don't want to inundate you with more background information about the Heartbleed bug (you've been bombarded with it across the internet and daily news since it was announced Tuesday!), but rather outline the critical takeaways and action points you...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Cyber and Data Security

R.I.P. Windows XP. Current Users Now at Greater Cyber Risk

April 8th, 2014 by admin

The words 'Microsoft Windows XP', with logo floating above them

Microsoft Corporation has just announced it will stop supporting Windows XP, one of the world's most popular and successful operating systems. Though Microsoft XP will not magically disappear from the desktops of anyone currently using it (which is...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software

Beware Email Spoofing! Protect Yourself Now!

April 4th, 2014 by admin

Cartoon of a man at a keyboard holding four masks, against a yellow background

We have recently seen a rise in a disturbing phishing scam called email spoofing. Email Spoofing A spoof email is an email that looks as if it came from a trusted friend or acquaintance, but is actually malicious in nature. These emails are particularly...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Cyber and Data Security

Happy 31st Birthday, MPA Networks!

April 1st, 2014 by admin

MPA 30 Yr Timeline

We are incredibly proud to launch into our 32nd year of business today! Thank you to our clients and wonderful team for making MPA Networks all it is today. "Without an amazing team, this simply does not happen," says Michael Price, CEO. Please take...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions

Three Misconceptions about Cloud Computing Every SMB Owner Should Know

March 27th, 2014 by admin

Man's hand holding up an Ethernet cable towards a cloud

By this point, nearly every small and medium sized business owner has heard of the cloud and has a basic understanding of cloud computing. A majority of them have probably even considered moving their data and applications to the cloud, not wishing to...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions

To Cloud or Not to Cloud: a Heated IT Debate

March 18th, 2014 by admin

Blue background with white words 'Should You Move To The Cloud?'next to a cloud with an up arrow inside it

With all the hype surrounding cloud computing, it may seem like any business that is NOT in the cloud is woefully behind the times. As an IT Managed Services Provider, we hear the following questions from clients and prospective clients all the time:...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions

MPA Networks Named to CRN's Pioneer 250 List of Top US Managed Service Providers

February 24th, 2014 by admin

Logo for CRN MSP 500 2014 event

We are thrilled to be named to CRN’s Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list as one of the MSP Pioneer 250. CRN is the leading media outlet for technology vendors and solution providers attempting to understand sales and service channels. The annual...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions, Partners and Industries

Use IT Standardization to Enhance Workplace Productivity and Limit Downtime

February 22nd, 2014 by admin

Dilbert comic strip

What is IT Standardization? Standardization refers to the general uniformity of desktops and laptops across an entire business. Ideally, all workstations and laptops should be identical (or as identical as possible), including uniform software versions...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Hardware and Software

How do I Love my Managed Service Provider? Let me Count the Ways

February 14th, 2014 by admin

Heart shape with a circuit board graphic

In honor of Valentine's Day, let's take a moment to spread some MSP love and appreciate IT Services providers everywhere. How do I love my Managed Service Provider and hotshot team of network support engineers? Let me count the ways: They deliver...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions

3 Tips to Leverage Your IT Labor Costs

February 7th, 2014 by admin

A silver analog alarm clock resting on a small pile of money

I'll make a decent bet that your greatest Information Technology costs are not related to hardware and software. In fact, they're probably not related to physical technology at all. What is Your Greatest IT cost? Support labor! IT labor...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions

Want Information Technology with Strong ROI? Take this Critical First Step.

January 30th, 2014 by admin

Cartoon of two businessmen shoveling money into a pit

Escape the Dreaded 'IT Money Pit' Information Technology is the backbone of modern business - it is the infrastructure on which businesses run and employees work. It is the wheel that keeps everything rolling smoothly. As such, it makes perfect sense...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions

The Remarkable Truth about Information Technology and your ROI

January 24th, 2014 by admin

Blue tinted composite of a keyboard, a woman's eye, and a cd stack

If we asked you a very simple question — what is Information Technology? —  how would you respond?  What would come to mind? We're guessing you would focus on computers, flashing lights, monitor screens, and server rooms, right?  Perhaps even...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions

Resolve to Maximize IT Productivity in 2014!

January 16th, 2014 by admin

Businessman writing 'Productivity' in the air in red, with an arrow swooping up to his hand

The new year's festivities have come and gone, and for better or worse, it's time to get back in the saddle. This first month back at work is the perfect time to consider business goals for the coming year and determine how to make your business more...

Read Full Story »

Posted in: Solutions